http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/39340.html
Kings Notes: Easy baskets thing of past
By Joe Davidson - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:13 am PDT Saturday, October 14, 2006
Eric Musselman has ordered up some knocks, bumps and hacks this preseason.
In other words, fouls in a wise amount of abundance.
The Kings' first-year coach wants opponents to earn inside buckets. That's what seemingly every coach suggests to their team. But Musselman isn't suggesting. He's ordering. Sacramento ranked last in the NBA in player disqualifications in 2005-06, which is another way of saying it was too nice, too often.
"We had six foul-outs, and two of them were by Peja Stojakovic," Musselman said. "We have to be more aggressive. You'll see us foul a lot more."
The Kings displayed no inside-the-paint generosity Thursday night in trouncing host Dallas 111-90 in a preseason opener. The Kings were physical and active, unyielding and feisty.
"You have to play hard in this league, especially on defense, or guys will just take it at you," Kings forward Ron Artest said. "I think we'll be better (with the fouls and hard play) this season."
Rebound, good man -- Artest can do just about anything he wants on defense: deny, steal, move his feet. But rebounding? Artest is the first to raise his hand in guilt.
"I need to be a better rebounder," he said. "I have to be so I can help this team."
Said Musselman, "We've had conversations about it. We told him that he could lead all small forwards in the league in rebounding. Be the No. 1 rebounder. He's got to focus on that. That's one area he can get better."
Artest said he's perfectly capable of boarding better.
"When he wants to rebound, he can rebound with anyone," Musselman said. "We're getting in his ear about it."
Out on the town -- As part of the NBA Cares campaign, "Paint the Town," Kings players and coaches will visit local establishments to interact with fans today. From 2:30-3:30 p.m., Brad Miller, Kenny Thomas, Louis Amundson, Justin Williams and assistant coaches Scott Brooks and Jason Hamm will be at Les Schwab in Elk Grove to greet customers. From 3:30-4:30 p.m., Mike Bibby, Corliss Williamson, John Salmons and assistant coaches T.R. Dunn, Brendan O'Connor and Mark Hughes will be at the Jack in the Box on Watt Avenue to help take orders.
First cut -- Free-agent rookie Eugene "Pooh" Jeter was released Friday afternoon, Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie announced.
About the writer: The Bee's Joe Davidson can be reached at jdavidson@ sacbee.com.
Kings Notes: Easy baskets thing of past
By Joe Davidson - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:13 am PDT Saturday, October 14, 2006
Eric Musselman has ordered up some knocks, bumps and hacks this preseason.
In other words, fouls in a wise amount of abundance.
The Kings' first-year coach wants opponents to earn inside buckets. That's what seemingly every coach suggests to their team. But Musselman isn't suggesting. He's ordering. Sacramento ranked last in the NBA in player disqualifications in 2005-06, which is another way of saying it was too nice, too often.
"We had six foul-outs, and two of them were by Peja Stojakovic," Musselman said. "We have to be more aggressive. You'll see us foul a lot more."
The Kings displayed no inside-the-paint generosity Thursday night in trouncing host Dallas 111-90 in a preseason opener. The Kings were physical and active, unyielding and feisty.
"You have to play hard in this league, especially on defense, or guys will just take it at you," Kings forward Ron Artest said. "I think we'll be better (with the fouls and hard play) this season."
Rebound, good man -- Artest can do just about anything he wants on defense: deny, steal, move his feet. But rebounding? Artest is the first to raise his hand in guilt.
"I need to be a better rebounder," he said. "I have to be so I can help this team."
Said Musselman, "We've had conversations about it. We told him that he could lead all small forwards in the league in rebounding. Be the No. 1 rebounder. He's got to focus on that. That's one area he can get better."
Artest said he's perfectly capable of boarding better.
"When he wants to rebound, he can rebound with anyone," Musselman said. "We're getting in his ear about it."
Out on the town -- As part of the NBA Cares campaign, "Paint the Town," Kings players and coaches will visit local establishments to interact with fans today. From 2:30-3:30 p.m., Brad Miller, Kenny Thomas, Louis Amundson, Justin Williams and assistant coaches Scott Brooks and Jason Hamm will be at Les Schwab in Elk Grove to greet customers. From 3:30-4:30 p.m., Mike Bibby, Corliss Williamson, John Salmons and assistant coaches T.R. Dunn, Brendan O'Connor and Mark Hughes will be at the Jack in the Box on Watt Avenue to help take orders.
First cut -- Free-agent rookie Eugene "Pooh" Jeter was released Friday afternoon, Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie announced.
About the writer: The Bee's Joe Davidson can be reached at jdavidson@ sacbee.com.